Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The gameplay in X-Men challenges players to balance fast-paced combat with thoughtful exploration. You’ll switch seamlessly between beloved mutants like Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Cyclops, each bringing unique abilities to the table. Wolverine’s claw attacks shred through enemies up close, while Nightcrawler’s teleport keeps foes guessing. This variety ensures that no two encounters feel the same.

In addition to combat, you’ll need to assemble a device powerful enough to counter Magneto’s influence. Scouring Murderworld’s 500+ distinct scenes, you’ll solve environmental puzzles, activate switches, and uncover hidden passages. The moment-to-moment gameplay shifts naturally from sliding down trapdoor slides to deactivating deadly laser grids.

Interacting with the environment is fluid thanks to the icon panel, which appears when you press the space bar. Here, you choose from actions like “Use Power,” “Pick Up Object,” or “Open Door.” Managing each X-Man’s power and energy levels adds a strategic layer—exhaust Wolverine’s strength bar, and you’ll have to rely on another teammate until he recharges. This resource management keeps tension high throughout each level.

Graphics

Visually, X-Men captures the vibrant essence of the comic-book universe. The character sprites are detailed and animated with remarkable fluidity, from Nightcrawler’s acrobatic flips to Wolverine’s slashing combos. Each mutant feels true to their source material, complete with expressive facial frames during cutscenes.

Murderworld itself is rendered in bright, bold hues that contrast with the darker mechanical chambers. The amusement-park traps—spinning blades, electrified floors, and popping-clown faces—are both whimsical and menacing. Backgrounds are layered to give a sense of depth, making narrow corridors feel claustrophobic and open arenas suitably grand.

Special effects, such as Cyclops’s optic blast or Storm’s lightning strikes, light up the screen with dynamic particle animations. Even on lower-spec systems, the performance remains steady, ensuring smooth frame rates during the fiercest battles. Overall, the graphics strike an excellent balance between nostalgic 2D charm and modern playability.

Story

Bundled with an exclusive comic, X-Men’s narrative kicks off with a thrilling premise: Professor X has been kidnapped by Magneto and Arcade. This comic prologue provides vital context, immersing you in the hostage crisis before you ever pick up the controller. Reading it is a treat for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The in-game story unfolds at a gripping pace. Arcade’s Murderworld offers a series of sadistic challenges, each level tied to a piece of Magneto’s device. You’re not just fighting for your life—you’re racing against time to prevent Magneto from turning the tides of mutant-kind’s eternal struggle. Dialogue exchanges between characters interject humor and camaraderie, reminding you why this team is so beloved.

Plot twists keep the adventure fresh: allies may be trapped, villains hide in plain sight, and just when you think you have the device’s final component, another obstacle emerges. These narrative beats motivate you to explore every nook and cranny. The stakes feel personal, making each rescued hostage and recovered artifact a real victory.

Overall Experience

X-Men delivers a highly satisfying experience, especially for fans of Marvel’s mutant roster. The combination of over 500 action-packed scenes ensures that play sessions never feel repetitive. Whether fending off Sentinels or navigating deadly carnival contraptions, each level brings something new to the table.

The ability to swap between multiple heroes on the fly adds strategic depth and replay value. Every mutant’s special ability is a joy to master, and experimenting with team compositions turns each run into a personalized adventure. Resource management—juggling health packs and power reserves—keeps you invested in every skirmish.

While veteran gamers may find a few levels challenging, the learning curve is fair, thanks to intuitive controls and clear on-screen prompts. The bundled comic enhances the overall package, making X-Men feel like a complete multimedia experience. In the end, this game stands out as an engaging blend of action, adventure, and authentic X-Men storytelling—ideal for collectors and first-time players alike.

Retro Replay Score

null/10